Karmic Reflections

Holiday Lights

2011-12-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

I'm not one for self-portraits, but I couldn't find anyone else who would be willing to model for this. I was curious about how the lights would look, and I'm not very good at low-light photography, so this gave me a good excuse to practice.

Big hugs and kisses for my husband, the Big Man, who helped me out with his creative eye and encouraging spirit.

Dog's Eye View

2011-07-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

This was just a chance shot I took of my Jack Russell Terrier mix, Max on a drive on a nice summer day. For some reason, it just spoke to me: the freedom, the wind, the complete joy. It's quickly become one of my favorite shots of my dogs, and believe me, I take a LOT of them!!!

There's no place like home!

2011-04-20T15:39:00.001-07:00

I came across these photos today while I was cleaning up my hard drive, and were taken last summer.

These shots were part of a challenge from www.digital-photography-school.com, a site I really love and refer to constantly. The challenge was to only take photos within 50 feet of your backdoor, so I figured I could do it easily, not having to travel very far.

I expected it to be boring endeavor, but instead it really made me see details in my little world that I had beforehand passed over. Seeing them all together, I think they convey perfectly what an evening in our backyard is like. Its makes me smile.

I'm anxious to try this again this summer. Now that I have chickens and a pool in the backyard, I'm sure I'll find some new inspiration.

Happy Easter!

And now for something completely different.....

2011-01-06T06:40:00.001-08:00

I think this collection is beautiful, erotic, romantic and breathtaking all at the same time.

Truly Inspiring

2010-12-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

I found these photos absolutely beautiful, and a bit sad, at the same time.

Portraits of Erin

2010-12-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

Again, I was flattered to be asked to take senior portraits for one of my beautiful nieces. Erin is such a sweet, lovely girl, and she makes my job easier!!

Colin and Beth

2010-10-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

My niece, Beth, was married to her high school sweetheart, Colin this past weekend, and I was there to capture a few memories here and there. It was a wonderful evening and one of the most romantic events I've ever seen. Best of luck to them both!

Glorious Ramble

2010-05-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

"Glorious Ramble" came to us after he was retired at the age of two from greyhound racing. Categorized as "special needs" because of his extreme fear of humans, no one adopted the poor boy. One family attempted, but returned him after a few weeks.

After fostering him for a month or so, we decided that Ramble had indeed "chosen" us, and we could not turn our back on him. He spent the first six months with us cowering in a cage, never making eye contact and ducking with any sound or movement near him. The scars from the abuse the suffered during his racing career were apparent, including his "broken ears" from being pulled out of his cage by the ears at race time.

These photos show Ramble's first experience with grass. Before this, he only knew concrete, sand and cement. I'd like to think the joy and peace on his face are obviously apparent. Ramble laid, rolled, slept and walked in the grass for an entire day.

Ramble now plays, chases the sprinkler, goes on walks, and never sets foot in a cage. He's a sweet, loving member of our family that we can't imagine not having with us. We're thankful we were able to help him, but I firmly believe that Ramble changed our lives more than we did his.

New Arrivals

2010-05-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

I visited Straight AAAA's Miniature Horse Farm to photograph their two new arrivals this week, "Action Jackson" and "Just Peachy." The new Mommies wouldn't let me get too close to their babies, but they have to be some of the most precious animals I've ever seen. The farm is always a wonderful place to visit for me and my children. If you're so inclined, the rest of the photos can be viewed at: http://gallery.me.com/rzaranko/100146.

Christmas Cookies

2010-05-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

Not only celebrating my first successful food shots, but the fact that I managed to produce a dozen cookies that didn't resemble charcoal briquettes. You might see these on our holiday cards this year. To see the rest of the yumminess, visit http://gallery.me.com/rzaranko#100138.

Drawn & Quartered II

2010-05-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

This was a wonderful event held at the Asterisk Gallery in Cleveland. Being surrounded by some of the area's best artists and illustrators for an evening was absolutely inspiring. You can see the rest of the photos at http://gallery.me.com/rzaranko#100122.

Lorain County Metroparks

2010-04-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

Shots for the Lorain Country Metroparks website and Pulse, the Lorain County Magazine. You can see the rest of the album here.

Crown Hill Cemetery

2010-04-20T13:36:00.000-07:00

One of my and my daughter's favorite places.
The rest of the album can be viewed here.